The Roaming Reporter is the number one source for the 411 in arts, culture, food, music and theatre in Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, Bronx and Staten Island.
Shuga Henry, the Roaming Reporter, journey's through the fantastic boroughs of New York reporting on the amazing happenings.

Saturday, January 4, 2014

Sadly the holidays are over and you may have a few containers of eggnog remaining. Now, because everyone is preparing to begin "the New Year diet" you think to yourself, "what am I do with all the nog?" Well don't you fret. The Roaming Reporter has some suggestions. As I roamed around through holidays meeting people and asking "what do you do with left over eggnog," I have finally complied some answers. Enjoy and let me know your eggnog recipe success stories. Cheers! +Shuga Henry

5. Eggnog Hot Chocolate

The winter season is the perfect time for hot chocolate. A little eggnog adds a creative awesome twist. The recipe is super easy and it's delicious!

Photo by Peanut Butter and Peppers

Ingredients

eggnog

milk chocolate squares or coco power

whip cream

vanilla exact

nutmeg (optional)

cinnamon (optional)

In a medium sauce pan add eggnog, vanilla extract and cinnamon to bubble. Then add
the chocolate squares or coco power and whisk all together. Then pour into your favorite mug, top with whip cream and freshly grated nutmeg.

** add a scoop of instant coffee to the mix and create eggnog chocolate coffee. Yum!**

4. Eggnog Cupcakes

I tried this recipe on New Years and the results were quite scrumptious. This is a great companion to the eggnog hot chocolate. Yum!

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line 12 cupcake cups with liners. 2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and nutmeg. 3. In a separate bowl, combine the rum, eggnog, vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar and vanilla extract together. 4. Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and beat just to combine. 5. Fill the cupcake liners. Fill about 2/3 of the way if you want flat cupcakes and 3/4 of the way if you want rounded tops. 6.
Bake for about 18 minutes, until toothpick inserted into the center
comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.

To make the frosting1. In a large bowl, using a stand or electric mixer, whip the butter for a minute or two, until light and fluffy. 2. Slowly add the confectioners sugar, mixing as you add the sugar.3. Continue adding sugar until the mixture becomes stiff. 4. Add the eggnog, rum and nutmeg, and whip until combined. 5. Frost cupcakes as desired. 6. To garnish, sprinkle with ground cinnamon and half a cinnamon stick, if desired.

3. Eggnog Pancakes

This recipe is my favorite. I prepared this for my family on Christmas Eve and it was an excellent hit. This is a quick easy recipe. All I did was replace the milk with eggnog, added vanilla and freshly grated nutmeg. The nutmeg really give it that extra kick.

2. Eggnog Jello Shots

I discovered this recipe on EisforEat.com. Jaymee Sire submitted this delightful drink. I prepared this the day after New Years and it really was a festive party in a cup. Thanks Jaymee for helping me keep the good times rolling. +Jaymee Sire

Photo by EisforEat.com

Ingredients (12 shots)

1 cup eggnog

1 packet Knox unflavored gelatin

3/4 cup vanilla or whipped cream vodka

1/4 cup amaretto

12 small plastic shot glasses

12 cinnamon sticks

whipped cream (go for the can in this instance)

nutmeg or cinnamon (for sprinkling on top)

Instructions

Pour eggnog into a small saucepan. Sprinkle gelatin on top of eggnog
and let it soak in a minute or two so it "blooms." (It will sort of
look like applesauce). Heat over medium, stirring, until gelatin is
dissolved.

Combine eggnog with alcohols into something with a pour spout (such
as a measuring cup). Place plastic shot glasses on a sheet pan and fill
3/4 of the way full. Refrigerate and allow to set four hours or
overnight.

When ready to serve, insert a cinnamon stick into the side of each
shot. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg.

1. Eggnog Ice -cream

I love ice-cream and I love eggnog. This recipe combines that best of both world. This is my number one favorite recipe I enjoying making during the holidays. Recently, someone shared a twist on the traditional idea with eggnog brownie chunk ice-cream. I tried this new twist and I was in heaven. The marriage of eggnog and chocolate into creamy ice-cream was dreamy. Thanks +shawn syphus for the decadent holiday treat.

Monday, December 9, 2013

BAYSIDE VILLAGE, QUEENS

As I drove down Bell Blvd I happened to notice Mardi Gras masks and a large sign that read "Bourbon Street." I said, this looks interesting I better investigate. Now, having resided and fallen in love with Louisiana, I had to authenticate this Cajun cuisine. When I walked through the door I was greeted with a warm smile from the hostess who lead me to my seat. The interior was charming and the ambiance was casual and relaxed. There is a full bar and large televisions excellent for watching sports. Away from the bar were quiet dinning areas. The walls held colorful vibrant paintings of jazz musicians, Mardi Gras masks and swanky scenes of New Orleans. Each table setting included colorful Mardi Gras beads. The archway has an enchanting French style gate that provided a nice French Quarter “N’Awlins touch.

Now on to the food. The bread basket came with an array of breads including honey wheat, white roll, corn bread and everything flat bread. The basket was accompanied with a sweet homemade pecan butter. It was a wonderful complement to the breads. I also had the opportunity to taste a fresh batch of apple cinnamon butter, a holiday specialty for the season. My waitress Kim, who was quite delightful provided some marvelous suggestions to acquaint me with the menu.

The water came in the charming bottle

Everything Flat Bread

My meal commenced with BBQ Shrimp. Now this was no average bbq shrimp I have ever tasted. This dish was comprised of plump jumbo shrimp seasoned with Cajun spices in a secret cream sauce served with garlic bread. The cream sauce was buttery, rich and creamy. It had the right balance of spice with a hint of barbeque. The shrimp was seasoned to perfection and the garlic bread was fluffy with a light crunch. I tell you this reporter had a superb time sopping up each drop of the delicious cream sauce.

BBQ Shrimp with French Bread

Next Kim recommended Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese. This hearty dish was prepared with spicy, crispy buffalo breaded chicken cutlets served on top of a mountain of penne pasta swimming in homemade buffalo butter cheese sauce topped off with large crumbles of blue cheese. D-Lish is all I could say as the flavor fusions exploded in my mouth.

Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese

My meal concluded with a grand slice of homemade apple crumbled pie served with a drizzle of raspberry sauce and a heavenly scoop of vanilla ice- cream.

Overall, I had a delightful time. I would have enjoyed hearing some
jazz and dixieland music splashed in between the sports report on
television. Nevertheless, a girl can't have it all. I miss the southern comforts of Louisiana daily, however, Bourbon Street brought this reporter a little taste of home. The price was moderate, the service was great and the was food fantastic. So if you're roaming through the Bayside, Queens area and you're looking for a new food adventure, check out Bourbon Street, where their motto is Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez....Let the Good Time Roll!

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

As I roamed around this past weekend looking for new and interesting things to report, I stumbled upon a new eatery in Rosedale, Queens calledPa-Nash Restaurant & Lounge. This rare jewel serves what the owners call Euro Soul food which is a fusion of Mediterranean, Moroccan and Caribbean Soul food. Sounds delicious I know. I strolled in and was blown away by the beautiful Moroccan inspired decor. Highlights of the luxurious interior included dazzling chandlers dripping with clear glass drops that sparkled in the light, tall soft cushioned silver seats, and a illuminating bar stocked with the finest top shelf drinks. The upscale furnishings provides a Manhattan chic with local comfort.

I was introduced to manger Mel Renci who gave me the grand tour. On our walk down to the lounge area he explained that Pa-Nash is a family owned business. The owners, who wish to remain anonymous are from Ocho Rios, Jamaica W.I. Renci said the owners wanted to provided the Queens community with a new food sensation. The restaurant opened Tuesday, November 18th. The restaurant is currently in its introductory stage. Renci stated the grand opening is scheduled to happen during the Christmas holiday. An official date has not yet been announced.

The lounge area, called the Euro Soul Lounge, located on the lower level is truly striking. Here I really saw the Mediterranean Moroccan style come together. The furniture included wall to wall leather seats coated in rich warm colors of yellow, red and chocolate, complemented with beautifully beaded pillows. There were mosaic textured walls that added visual depth. Overall, a really vibrant charming space. The Euro Soul Lounge also provides weekly live entertainment. The music varies from Classic R&B, Smooth Jazz and Reggae. The entertainment is presented by JT Mac Productions.

Now, on to the food which was quite delicious. The menu featured many interesting combinations of food. Renci recommended I try the Three Cheese Penne Mac & Cheese Roll. He said if I tried nothing else on the menu I must have that dish. So I did. The Three Cheese Penne Mac & Cheese Roll is a signature appetizer. It is made with asiago, white cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. I found it very clever that someone thought of the idea to put mac and cheese in an egg roll. It had a delightful crunchy texture with a creamy cheese filling.

Three Cheese Penne Mac & Cheese Roll

Next I tried the Fig Glazed Chicken Wings served with Hot Chile Sauce presented on a bed of spinach. The meat on the tender wings practically melted off the bone filling my mouth with a bust of sweet spicy flavor. The meal was complemented by the signature Pa-Nash Coconut Martini.

So, if your looking for a restaurant with great food, elegant flair, friendly service, amazing live music and local comfort, Pa- Nash is for you. Pa-Nash Restaurant & Lounge where their motto is life with a bit of Pa-Nash!

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About Me

A native of the beautiful island of Jamaica W.I., Shuga Henry is a well known director, playwright, producer, singer, actress and teaching artist. The performing arts have always been a staple in her life.

Shuga participates in educational programs for children, adults and seniors. She offers workshops and classes in performing arts, storytelling, creative writing, leadership and social etiquette for schools, libraries, churches and organizations.